Playing Cards (deck)

Material Composition Assumptions

A standard deck of playing cards weighs approximately 80 grams and consists of the following materials:

• Cardstock/paperboard (primary): 65 grams (81%) - multilayer paper base with coatings for durability
• Plastic or cellulose wrap packaging: 8 grams (10%) - protective outer wrap
• Cardboard tuck box: 5 grams (6%) - outer packaging container
• Ink (solvent or water-based): 1.5 grams (2%) - printing materials for card faces and backs
• Adhesive/glue: 0.5 grams (1%) - bonding agents for laminated layers

The cardstock forms the structural foundation with multiple coating layers applied to achieve the smooth finish and durability characteristics expected in playing cards.

Manufacturing Geography

Playing cards are predominantly manufactured in China, which accounts for the majority of global production capacity. Chinese facilities benefit from established paper production infrastructure and specialized printing equipment optimized for card manufacturing. The electricity grid in China operates at approximately 555 gCO2/kWh, which directly impacts the carbon intensity of energy-intensive processes including paper pulping, coating application, and high-speed printing operations. Manufacturing concentration in this region also enables economies of scale for auxiliary materials like specialized inks and adhesives.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2/kWh	42	Baseline
India	708 gCO2/kWh	46	+9.5%
United States	386 gCO2/kWh	38	-9.5%
Germany	348 gCO2/kWh	36	-14.3%
Brazil	87 gCO2/kWh	29	-31.0%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Paper sourcing documentation including forest certification status (FSC or equivalent) and virgin versus recycled content percentages
2. Manufacturing facility electricity consumption data with renewable energy procurement contracts or on-site generation capacity
3. Ink formulation specifications distinguishing between water-based and solvent-based systems with associated VOC emission factors
4. Transportation logistics including shipping distances from paper mills to card manufacturing facilities and final distribution points
5. Packaging material specifications with recycled content percentages and end-of-life recyclability assessments

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for one complete deck of 52 playing cards plus jokers in standard retail packaging
• Scope 3 dominance reflects upstream paper production impacts, which generate approximately 20 kilograms of CO₂ per kilogram of virgin cardstock
• Functional unit assumes standard poker-sized cards with typical coating and finishing processes
• Score excludes consumer use phase and end-of-life disposal scenarios
• Regional variations primarily driven by electricity grid carbon intensity differences during energy-intensive paper and coating processes
• Data gaps exist around specific adhesive formulations and coating material compositions used by individual manufacturers